Description
The Mark Porsche Papers (1989-1992) document Porsche's organization of the Gay Pride Parade Celebration of San Jose and his
work on the Gay Pride Celebration Committee of San Jose and the California Association of Pride, Inc. The collection includes
correspondence, financial and community organization records, press releases, news clippings and other miscellany. The collection
highlights his service as president of the groundbreaking 1991 Gay Pride Celebration of San Jose, an annual event that continues
today.
Background
Mark Porsche (1951-1993) was a leader, peacemaker and outspoken dignitary for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT)
community of Santa Clara County. He believed that GLBT visibility would promote a legacy of safety, acceptance and equality
for the gay community. Porsche reflected on the purpose of the Pride Parade by stating in a press release that, "Although
the Festival is held at the Fairgrounds, only those who attend see our celebration. When we celebrated in the downtown parks,
everyone saw us. I look at the Parade as a chance to once again become more visible to the entire community." It was this
belief that promoted the first ever city-sanctioned Gay Pride Parade in San Jose.
Restrictions
Copyright has been assigned to the San Jose State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission
to publish or quote manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission for publication
is granted on behalf of the Special Collections & Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include
or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.
Availability
The collection is open for research.